More than for anyone else, this is most true for hackers. If they have learnt a new technology or a new methodology, they subconsciously hunt for where they can apply that new-new thing. When they have a so-called epiphany, they work like asses to come up with self-contained solution, which they like to call as a startup. Then they enter into a cocoon thinking that auto-magically their startup will be next big thing and probably change the world.

All the above is perfectly fine if the hacker knows that the chances of changing the world through his self-indulgent projects are slim. So, this is the single most important thing a hacker needs to learn: unless he is solving a real problem, it is unlikely that what he calls a startup would evolve into something serious.

So all you hackers, get this: problems are separate from technology. Set your priorities right and later don’t crib that the world doesn’t care about you and what you do.